Tracking system, apparatus and method

Abstract

A remotely-locatable tracking device and system is presented for use with a projectile that contacts a mobile target. The device is particularly useful with hunting arrows that contact a target animal. The device detaches from the arrow and attaches to the animal upon impact. The device is preferably comprised of a passive transponder and the system preferably uses a handheld transceiver to locate the transponder attached to the target animal.

1. A remotely-locatable tracking device comprised of:
 a transponder assembly:  
 said assembly being releasably affixed adjacent to a shaft of an arrow by a structure, said structure being an adjustable friction device selected from the group consisting of a detent ball spring or a peg-and-hole configuration; and  
 means for attaching said assembly to a target upon impacting the target with the arrow.  
 
   
   
     2. The tracking device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for attaching the releasably affixed structure to said target includes a fragmentation broadhead having at least one break-away component. 
   
   
     3. The tracking device of  claim 1 , wherein said transponder is passive. 
   
   
     4. The tracking device of  claim 1  further comprising a second transponder integral to the arrow shaft. 
   
   
     5. The tracking device of  claim 4 , wherein said second transponder emits a uniquely identifiable signal relative to the transponder contained within the releasably affixed—transponder assembly. 
   
   
     6. The tracking device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is detectable by a transceiver within a range of about 50 yards to about 500 yards. 
   
   
     7. The tracking device of  claim 1  wherein said device is locatable at a range in excess of 500 yards. 
   
   
     8. A remotely-locatable tracking device comprised of:
 a transponder assembly;  
 said assembly being releasably affixed adjacent to a shaft of an arrow by a structure, said structure being a break-away connector selected from the group consisting of a washer insert with a snap-joint, a washer insert with a spring clip, a washer insert with a stretch tube or an adhesive bond, and;  
 means for attaching said assembly to a target upon impacting the target with the arrow.  
 
   
   
     9. The tracking device of  claim 8 , wherein said means for attaching the releasably affixed structure to said target includes a fragmentation broadhead having at least one break-away component. 
   
   
     10. The tracking device of  claim 8  further comprising a second transponder integral to the arrow shaft. 
   
   
     11. The tracking device of  claim 10 , wherein said second transponder emits a uniquely identifiable signal relative to the transponder contained within the releasably affixed—transponder assembly.